Published June 10, 2005
This band has been mislabelled the local alt country band; their roots, especially as demonstrated here, are more 80s English and Australian pop slowed down. Most of the nine tracks on this album involve dragging one chord through a slow four count, then repeating: the kind of melancholic monotony that worked well for Nick Cave ballads. Singer, Þráinn, also uses a baritone and is not afraid to spend a long time on each word to keep the tone… low. With slow beats and low singing and songs about being annoyed, you can get the quick that this is supposed to make you feel a certain way; in fact, we sat in the office saying “I think I’m supposed to feel like a serious, hungover poet right now.” But the lines, while often adequate, don’t resonate. And, of course, melodies are out of the question. The guitar work is at times commendable, especially when, later in the album, notes are played more than once every measure. These are obviously skilled musicians trying to make a mood. We just wish they were making music too.
Worth 3 beers. Costs 3 beers.
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